This Saudi Footballer Is Widely Considered To Be One Of The Best Asian Footballers Of All Time
The former Al Nassr FC striker has been the poster child of Saudi Arabian football for many years.
Majed Ahmed Abdullah has his name etched with Saudi football and is considered one of the best Asian footballers of all time. He is also one of the highest international goalscorers in the world and continues to serve as an inspiration to many aspiring footballers across the country. Here are a few facts about him.
1. When he opened his Twitter account he got over 214,000 followers within 2 hours.
That is how much popularity he continues to enjoy even years after retiring.
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Saudi Citizens No Longer Need Visas To Fly To Montenegro But There’s A Major Catchيا جماهير #العالمي موعدنا الملعب اليوم وانا اول الحاضرين ان شاءالله
— ماجد عبدالله (@M_Abdullah_9) February 3, 2018
2. He was born to a football manager in Jeddah in 1959.
However, they soon shifted to Riyadh as his father became coach of the youth team of Al Nassr club.
3. Though he is remembered as being Saudi Arabia’s star striker he initially started off as a goalkeeper during his childhood.
His defining moment came when the striker of the local team that he used to play for was absent and Majed stepped into his shoes.
4. A young Majed had formed his own team soon after with his friends and neighbors called Al Ittefaq.
It is while playing for this team that he caught the attention of the Al Nassr executives who signed him in 1975 in the youth team.
5. He made it to the senior team two years later.
And, served as a substitute player for much of the season.
6. Majed was initially allotted number 14 on his t-shirt.
It was only later on that he was assigned number 9 that became synonymous with him.
7. He quickly became famous as he ended as the top scorer of the local league soon after making his professional debut.
And, became the Saudi national team’s go-to striker.
8. The Saudi striker then won the Asian Footballer of the Year three times in a row those being for 1984, 1985 and 1986.
He was also the top scorer in the Los Angeles Olympics qualifying rounds in 1984.
9. Nicknamed the Arabian Jewel he retired from football at the age of 40.
Some of his achievements during his long career include four Saudi league titles, two Asian Cup wins and four Saudi King’s Cup victories.
10. After retirement, he served as the coach for Al Nassr F.C. with whom he played for most of his sporting career.
And, a farewell match of Majed Abdullah was held in Riyadh in 2008 with the local side playing against Real Madrid. A crowd of 70,000 people turned up to see the legend play one last time in a match where Real Madrid lost four goals to one.
